Gluten sensitivity might not always mean Celiac Disease: Several recent studies have strongly suggested that many people who have a bad reaction to gluten may not have Celiac Disease, but rather a more challenging problem, a sensitivity to a long list of foods containing certain carbohydrates. Results of a 2011 study from the Monash University in Victoria, Australia suggest that fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, polyols and sugars that draw water into the intestinal tract may be to blamne as they might be poorly digested or absorbed, and become fodder for colonic bacteria that produce gas and can cause abdominal distress. These include: fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans and Polyols. People with irritable bowel syndrome often find that their symptoms lessen or disappear if they remove these foods from their diet. However, it can take six to eight weeks to notice any difference or improvement. For detailed description and explanation-see original article.

New data indicates childhood vaccines are safe: A new systematic analysis of tens of thousands of previous studies confirms, that childhood vaccinations are overwhelmingly safe for use. Back in 2011, an analysis of 1,000 peer reviewed studies indicated that, childhood vaccinations are safe and the likelihood of complications are extremely low. The study found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and the data showed that the vast majority of vaccines carry little or no risk to a child’s health. According to the latest systematic analysis recently published in thejournal Pediatrics, the hepatitis B vaccine does not appear to cause adverse effects, despite previous claims. Furthermore, the polio vaccine has no association with food allergies, and absolutely no vaccine was linked with causing leukemia or death. The research did find that some vaccines carried a small risk of potential health problems, such as the meningitis and pneumonia vaccine known as the Hib or Hib/C vaccine had a small but significant link with developing a mild, localized rash around the injection site. The analysis showed that, without any other underlying condition, this did not progress into anything more serious.

Chilled Fruit Salad with CoconutThis easy recipe for a chilled fruit salad with coconut chips and coconut water is a sweet, crunchy, colorful way to get your kids excited about eating a variety of fruit.